ADWOC at 40: Church Leaders Call for Action on Hunger, Insecurity, Economic Hardship

As economic hardship and insecurity continue to weigh heavily on Nigerian households, church leaders have called on governments at all levels to implement policies that will ease the burden on citizens and restore confidence in governance.
The call was made during the 40th Awka Diocesan Women’s Conference (ADWOC) and the 3rd Diocesan Mothers’ Union Conference held at the Church of the Holy Spirit (CHS), Awka, where women from across the Diocese gathered under the theme, “Pressing Towards the Mark.” The conference brought together over one thousand delegates to reflect on faith, family values, national development and women’s role in nation-building.
Presenting her presidential address, the President of the Mothers’ Union, Women’s Guild, Young Wives Fellowship and Girls’ Guild of the Diocese of Awka and Province of the Niger, Dr. Mrs. Martha Chioma Ibezim (Mama Awka/Nneoma), expressed concern over the rising cost of living and worsening economic conditions affecting Nigerian families.

She appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, to pursue people-oriented policies capable of addressing inflation, unemployment, food insecurity and other socio-economic challenges confronting citizens.

According to her, many households are struggling to meet their basic needs due to the soaring prices of food and other essential commodities.

“Many families are struggling with the high cost of living, inflation, unemployment and rising prices of food and essential commodities, making survival difficult for ordinary citizens. We are calling for transparent, accountable and people-oriented governance that will address the pressing needs of the nation and restore confidence in leadership,” she said.

Dr. Ibezim also expressed concern over the country’s worsening security situation, describing persistent incidents of banditry, kidnapping and communal conflicts as major threats to peace and national development.
She particularly appealed to the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward securing the release of students and teachers recently abducted from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, Oyo State, while praying for divine intervention for the nation.
The Mothers’ Union President congratulated Governor Soludo and the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, on the commencement of their second term in office, commending the administration’s achievements in infrastructure development and youth empowerment through skills acquisition programmes.
She also appreciated her husband, the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, the Most Rev. Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, for his leadership and support, which contributed to the successful hosting of the conference.
Delivering the sermon during the grand finale on Sunday, Archbishop Ibezim urged Christian women to remain focused and steadfast despite the numerous challenges confronting families and society.
Drawing lessons from the biblical account of Samson, he warned against distractions, noting that even individuals blessed with great potential could lose their purpose through lack of discipline and vigilance.
He encouraged the women to remain spiritually grounded, united and committed to building peaceful and stable homes.
The Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, who was represented by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Lady Oluchukwu Ibezim, described women as pillars of strength whose resilience continues to sustain families and communities during difficult times.
She urged the participants to remain hopeful, steadfast and committed to positive values, stressing that perseverance, faith and unity remain essential tools for overcoming present-day challenges.
The conference concluded with a thanksgiving service marked by prayers, worship and cultural displays.

Leading the thanksgiving procession, women of the Church of the Holy Spirit (CHS) Awka Archdeaconry, under the leadership of Barr. Chioma Egwuonwu, celebrated the 40th anniversary with songs of praise and thanksgiving.

Participants described the conference as spiritually enriching and impactful, expressing optimism that the resolutions reached would strengthen families, encourage responsible leadership and promote lasting peace and development across society.